Donald Allen Albertson

1933 - 2021

Donald Allen Albertson

Don Albertson, 87, a longtime resident of Burlington, passed away suddenly at home on the evening of February 13, 2021.

Don was born on August 23, 1933 in Lisbon, North Dakota as the oldest of three children and survived a childhood battle with polio. He was the first member of his family to attend College, earning Bachelor's degrees in Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering and Architecture, from North Dakota State University. He met the love of his life, Carroll (Anderson) after a church service and they were subsequently married in 1959, beginning a life together that spanned well over 60 years.

Don took his family through much of the US and Canada on various car camping trips, always with an eye out for the place he ultimately wanted to live and raise his family. When visiting Vermont in 1966, he was so enchanted by the mountains & Lake Champlain that he declared "This is it!" He took a position with the architectural firm Linde Hubbard (later known as Burlington Associates) and enjoyed working on the firms projects that included designs of several buildings at Johnson State College, St Paul's Cathedral in Burlington, and many others. He later went into his own private practice. He was a creative soul who never stopped dreaming and imagining what could be.

Don's greatest source of joy was seeing his children and grandchildren grow and thrive in whatever endeavors they chose to pursue. He loved sports and some of his happiest moments were those spent watching them on the ice rink or basketball court. This was always done with tons of encouragement along with a few well-intentioned coaching pointers. Don enjoyed the outdoors and despite the challenges of his bad knee from polio, relished his time spent hiking some of the toughest sections of the Long Trail with his sons. He was also closely bonded to each of his dogs, who brought additional companionship and entertainment throughout his life.

Don is survived by his wife, Carroll, his son Scott (Jeanne) of Williston VT, his daughter, Cara of Austin TX, and four grandchildren; Ben Albertson of Albuquerque NM, Mark Albertson (Maggie) of Reston VA, and Easton & Brady Stringer of Austin TX. He also leaves behind two sisters, Angie Akins of Fort Worth TX, and Merida Abraham (Dick) of Shoreview MN, as well as many nieces, nephews and in laws. Don was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Esther (Kjellin) Albertson and his son, Todd.

Due to Covid precautions, a celebration of life will not be held at this time. In Lieu of flowers, donations in Don's honor can be made to the Burlington Food Shelf, Habitat for Humanity, or the Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS).

Arrangements are in care of the Cremation Society of Chittenden County. To send online condolences to his family please visit www.cremationsocietycc.com.